BARWELL defender Tyron Amory is on the verge of quitting his job in a gym to become a professional football star after reaching the final stages of a national competition.

The 22-year-old is one of the final four hopefuls from more than 5,000 entries in Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract competition.

He will attend a week-long boot camp at League Two Swindon Town later this month and train with the first team squad in his quest for soccer stardom.

Tyron reached the final stages of the competition after making it through a series of tough regional trials. He particularly impressed Swindon boss Paulo Di Canio during a specially-arranged match at the County Ground stadium before Christmas.

The defender started the game in a team of triallists but switched line-ups to play alongside Town stars Mehdi Kerrouche and former AC Milan defender Alberto Comazzi.

Dad-of-one Tyron, who plays for Barwell in the Evo-Stik Southern League, said: “I felt I played well. Naturally I’m a left-winger or a striker but I’ve developed into a left-back during the competition.

“I was absolutely buzzing when I found out I’d been picked to train with the first team squad. I really couldn’t believe it,” added Manchester United fan Tyron, who works at Bournville College. “I spent time at Derby County as a youngster but my attitude wasn’t the best. Since then I’ve grown up, had a son and started a career working in the gym.”

Swindon boss Di Canio said: “Tyron has been very consistent throughout the competition and he impressed me again during the game. He deserves a chance to train with my squad.

“It will be a tough week for him but it will allow me time to decide whether he has what it takes to make it as a professional.”

He will find out if he has won the life-changing contract during Swindon’s clash with Accrington Stanley on February 25.

Tyron said: “It is something I have always dreamed of and this is like a second chance for me to show what I can do.”

Barwell manager Jimmy Ginnelly said: “Tyron has been around me for a few years now but he doesn’t get many starts which is a shame as he is a great impact sub to have. He started against Oadby at left-back as that is where Swindon have had him and he did well.

“He has done extremely well to get into the final few and has a lot to learn, but he is very passionate and enthusiastic and really wants to be a professional footballer. We wish him good luck and all the best for it.”